Richard Joseph Seabrook

Richard Joseph Seabrook, 95, died peacefully in his home on September 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Born August 14, 1930, in Troy, NY to Earl and Stella, he moved with his parents and three older siblings, Virginia, Jake, and Arlene, from Watervliet, NY to OKC in 1939. His mother died not long thereafter. He attended Classen High School and competed on the swim team. In 1953 he graduated from Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University, with a degree in business, and was a lifelong supporter of his Cowboys.

In June of 1951, he married Patricia, and they were married for 58 wonderful years until her death in 2009. He was cherished by his two daughters, Donna Krieger and Carol Smith with husband Gary. Always present, wise and calm, he shared many adventures with his three grandchildren: Erik Gumerson with wife Jennifer, Brigitte Silvernail with husband Chris, and Joe Krieger. He was an inspirational great-grandfather to Ethan, Benji, Oliver, Max, Harper, Birdie, and River.

While at Oklahoma A&M, he was a member of the ROTC. Following his graduation, he entered the Air Force. He graduated from flying school in 1954 and finished his military career in 1956 as a First Lieutenant having piloted T-28, Cub, T-6, B-25, and C-119 aircrafts.

In 1965, he became president and owner of Western Uniform and Towel, an industrial laundry his father and uncle started in 1938. He held this role until selling the business in 1999. A principled and skilled businessman, he was noted for his dedication to customer service.

During his career, his farm in Guthrie was a great place of relaxation, raising cattle and often accompanied by Duchess, his Doberman Pinscher. He loved traveling, particularly a visit to China and kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. His fondest trips were to Red River, New Mexico, purchasing a family cabin there in the mid-1960s. His love of his cabin, apparent in his dedicated repairs and painting, is shared by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a proficient skier during the winter months, and an enthusiastic fisherman during the summer. On his final ski trip at 85, he showed his great-grandson Oliver, a novice skier at the time, that falling isn’t what matters, it's getting back up again.

A devoted Catholic, he sang in the choir at Christ the King Catholic Church for over 20 years and continued as a valued choir member at St. Eugene Catholic Church for another 20 years. He was an ardent volunteer at Mercy Hospital and Santa’s Cause. He earned a brown belt in Judo. He also enjoyed dancing and was a board member for his dance club for many years. He loved to watch any Western, and has been a Wheel watcher since its inception. He was an avid craps and poker player, and loved puzzles, particularly jigsaws. After his retirement, he joined the Lady Liberty Squadron in 2000, continuing his passion for aviation. He dedicated countless hours to flying and maintaining the Lady, a Douglas A-26 Invader. She did as much for him as he did for her.

Always active, he was enthusiastic about life. He was a guardian and a caretaker; good natured and good humored. It was easy to share warm silences with him and thoughtful conversations. He had a sincere smile that conveyed his immense kindness and good heart. He was our hero; the world is truly diminished without him.

Special thanks to all his nurses and doctors, especially Dr. Jared Hooker. We will always be grateful for his poker buddies at the Elks Lodge, his Lady Liberty crew, and especially his beloved companion of 15 years, Peggy Fitzgerald, and her caring family.

A wake service will be held Monday September 22 at 6:30 PM at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Home, 6600 Broadway Extension OKC, OK. A private graveside service will take place the following day. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lady Liberty Squadron, 1026 South 66th St. Enid, OK, 73701.